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NEWS | June 9, 2009

More than just 'makin' copies;' Andrews Document Printing and Automation service upholds 60 year legacy

By Pacifica Chehy Capital Flyer staff writer

Though non-descript in size and location, the Document Automation and Production Service, or DAPS, at Andrews strives to provide its military customers with high-quality products and services that are anything but ordinary. 

A field activity of the Defense Logistics Agency, DAPS has been serving the Department of Defense for more than 60 years, and has more than 170 production facilities in 10 countries. By charging customers for its products and services, DAPS became the DoD's first industrially-funded activity. 

Often referred to as the 'military's Kinko's,' DAPS is much more than a basic print shop. DAPS services include creating libraries of digital documents, allowing for online access; the provision of multifunctional devices that print from networks, copy, fax and scan in customer workspaces; and the conversion of paper documents to standard digital formats. 

"Though we do a lot of photocopying and printing for our customers, we do much more than that," said Linda Coleman, Andrews DAPS automation publishing technician and customer service representative. "While we do traditional bulk printing, like specialty binding, basic bindery and copying, we also have online services and desktop publishing. We've done some great brochures, CDs, DVDs and other jobs." 

DAPS does congressional publishing and recently did the printing of inaugural programs and tickets, as well. 

Working in a one-woman shop, Ms. Coleman said that the jobs that cannot be completed in the small shop on base can be sent out to one of the other 11 DAPS facilities in the Washington Metro area. 

"Often, when we are confronted with jobs with specifications that require special equipment and printing methods, we use one of our affiliated vendors and have it done at a significant savings," Ms. Coleman said. 

The DAPS facility is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is located in room B118 in the 316th Wing, Headquarters, Bldg. 1535. For more information, call 240-857-1123.